The Lamar Warriors ended last season with a 6-5 record and their second playoff appearance in school history in as many years. After earning back-to-back playoff appearances, Lamar is hoping to make it a three-peat this season.

The Warriors began two-a-day practices Aug. 1, and coach Jay Holland said Wednesday he was really pleased with the way the team is dealing with the heat.

"It has been hot. I think someone turned up the thermostat," Holland said. "The afternoon practices have been better than the morning practices. Part of the reason is because in the afternoon, we have a breeze blowing, which helps. In the mornings, the air is still. Everyone has to practice in the same conditions we do, though."

The Warriors return six starters on offense and five on defense from last season's team. Holland said the numbers were good at Lamar this summer and felt like he had two solid leaders.

"We have 38 kids out for football this fall," Holland said. "Seniors Josh Dossett and Hunter Stumbaugh have been good leaders for us all through fall practice. We are looking for them to be leaders on the field all season."

Holland said the biggest obstacle so far this summer has been getting used to the heat.

"Practice is going really good, you know. We are working hard," Holland said. "The main thing is getting these kids used to the heat. Many of them had summer jobs inside, and it is taking their bodies a little time to get in condition for what we are asking them to do, but we're getting there."

Holland said he was pleased with the way the team was progressing, but there was still room for improvement. As is normally the case, the defense was progressing faster than the offense.

"We are not where we want to be, but we are about where we usually are this time of year," the coach explained. "The defense is always ahead of the offense for the first week or so. It is that way in the spring and the fall. The offense is gaining ground. We will close that gap quickly, but yeah the defense is definitely ahead of the offense right now."

Holland said that players have showed energy as the team started practice last week. He attributed it to winning.

"It is amazing to see what can happen when you finally start putting together wins and getting into the playoffs," the coach said. "I don't know if it is the success from last year or just winning in general, but there is definitely a lot of enthusiasm on the field at practice.

"Our goal every since I have been here is to win games and make the playoffs. We want to win games, make the playoffs and compete for conference and state championships. We are focused on those goals."

The Warriors open the 2007 season Aug. 31 on the road as they travel to Magazine to face the Rattlers.